This artcle first appeared on BusinessWire.com on November 6, 2019.

Bozeman, MT (November 6, 2019) – Yellowstone Forever, the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park, announced today it raised $1 million in private funds over three days at the end of September. Those funds have been matched dollar for dollar using federal funds appropriated for the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, delivering $2 million directly to Yellowstone National Park for the North Entrance Project.

The current North Entrance Station in Gardiner, Montana, is not equipped to meet the challenges of increasing visitation and traffic. Last year (in 2018), 365,397 vehicles came through this entrance, up 22% from 2013. The upcoming project will:

• add an additional lane and kiosk to improve traffic flow and reduce queuing lines
• replace the existing two buildings with one larger building/station and two kiosks
• improve the flow of employee and delivery traffic from Robert Reamer Avenue
• improve pedestrian safety by realigning parking along Robert Reamer Avenue
• replace the water line along Robert Reamer Avenue

“This $2 million donation helps the park reach its funding goal for the North Entrance Project,” said John Walda, interim president & CEO of Yellowstone Forever. “We would have not been able to capitalize on this remarkable opportunity for Yellowstone if it wasn’t for the support of our generous partners and donors, and we thank them for the chance to provide a lasting impact on the park.”

“We couldn’t accomplish all that we do without partners like Yellowstone Forever and the National Park Foundation,” said Cameron Sholly, superintendent of Yellowstone National Park. “These funds will help the National Park Service leverage the federal funding already allocated for this project.” 

“This critically important project demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships to accelerate investments that improve park visitor experiences in a very tangible way,” added Will Shafroth, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation.

About Yellowstone Forever

Yellowstone Forever is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. We partner with Yellowstone National Park to create opportunities for all people to experience, enhance, and preserve Yellowstone forever.

Our combined operations include 11 educational Park Stores with gross sales of over $5.1 million; the Yellowstone Forever Institute, which offers more than 600 in-depth programs each year; a supporter program of 85,000 Yellowstone enthusiasts raising funds to support critical park priority projects; and an online community of over 1 million worldwide.

Yellowstone Forever has provided over $106 million of cash support and over $64 million of in-kind support since 1933. Our mission of engagement and support through education and fundraising for the park will ensure Yellowstone remains for generations to come. Join the community at Yellowstone.org.

About National Park Foundation

The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts and connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.

Let's face it, Yellowstone National Park is one BIG place! Covering nearly 3,500 square miles, some visitors may feel overwhelmed with how much there is to see and do. You want to make the most of every moment in Yellowstone country - and we can help.

The solution is Yellowstone National Park guided tours! Get an up-close view of the Park, while learning about the fascinating history, geology and wildlife that makes southern Montana such a unique and special place. Our professional certified guides will take you to see some of Yellowstone's most famous attractions while sharing their impressive knowledge and entertaining stories about the Park.

We offer Bus Tours during the summer, and Snowcoach Tours and Guided Snowmobile Tours in winter!

Whether you’re looking for a quick dip or a full-on hot spring adventure the North Entrance to Yellowstone features hydrothermal destinations that offer a chance to soak, relax, and enjoy the scenery the area has to offer. The North Entrance community of Gardiner, Montana, offers food, lodging, and other services to go along with your soak. An up-to-date list of businesses that are open after this summer’s flooding can be found in this travel guide. Pack your swimsuit, towel, water bottle, and enjoy the healing waters surrounding the park’s beautiful North Entrance!

Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa

Indoor Showers, Restrooms and Changing Rooms: Yes
Food and Beverage: Yes
Lodging Available: On Site

Famous for its fine dining, soothing mineral waters, and rustic flair, Chico Hot Springs provides a soaking experience for those looking to spend either a day or an entire weekend. The resort—a 30-minute drive from Yellowstone’s North Entrance—was established in 1900 as a hot spring destination but now offers other activities ranging from horseback riding to rafting to fly fishing to dogsledding. Chico features lodging, locally influenced menus, a saloon, a gift store, and a spa where guests can receive a massage or take yoga classes. Bands often play late-night at the saloon. Lodging ranges from affordable, dog-friendly rooms with shared bathrooms in the main building to group cabins to two-person covered wagons. Dining in the main lodge is a culinary experience with fresh herbs and vegetables from Chico’s greenhouses; a more basic, yet delicious, menu of pizzas and sandwiches is offered at the poolside grill and saloon. Day passes are available for those who’d simply like to stop in and take a soak. Two spacious, open-air, developed pools offer guests a chance to either relax in the hot pool or splash and play in the cooler, more kid-friendly pool nearby. The water is chemical-free, drained and refilled daily, and is surrounded by outdoor seating with easy access to changing rooms with toilets, showers, and cubbies and lockers for storing clothes and other items. Perhaps the hallmark of Chico, in addition to its western roots and hospitality, are the soaring, snowcapped Absaroka Mountains that soar over the hot springs and the surrounding Paradise Valley.

Yellowstone Hot Springs RV Park & Campground

Indoor Showers, Restrooms and Changing Rooms: Yes
Food and Beverage: Limited and Restricted
Lodging Available: Nearby in Gardiner, Montana and on-site camping 

Nestled along the banks of the Yellowstone River in Corwin Springs, Montana, a 10-minute drive from the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Hot Springs opened to the public in March 2019. Although a recent addition to the local business community, Yellowstone Hot Springs emerges from a longstanding past of previous hot springs at the location. The new facility features on-site parking, a check-in desk where guests can rent towels and purchase snacks, and spacious, indoor changing rooms with toilets, sinks, and showers. Outdoor walkways from the changing rooms lead guests past picnic tables, seating areas, and a fire ring to a large, developed pool with two smaller, inset circular pools—one hot and one cold. The main pool averages a comfortable 102℉, while the cold pool averages 67℉. The hot pool averages a steamy 104℉. The owners take great pride in the serenity of the location and the mineral-rich quality of the water, which flows from the outskirts of nearby Yellowstone Park; the water is said to contain crystals that closely resemble an experimental photograph that showed crystals from a different water sample that had the Japanese character for love and gratitude written on its container, according to the company website. Pets, alcohol, and smoking are prohibited, although plenty of fresh water is provided for guests. A daytime soak provides the opportunity to view wildlife, while an evening soak provides a star-filled sky.

Whatever destination you choose, enjoy your soak!

Chelsea DeWeese writes from her hometown of Gardiner, Montana, the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone’s summer season is winding down, but there are still quite a few campgrounds and lodges open for business—not to mention all roads are still open for the season. That said, you don’t want to get your heart set on a specific campground or hotel just to find out it’s closed for the season when you arrive! If you’re planning a fall visit to the world’s first national park, keep the following closing dates in mind:

Fall Road Closing Dates

October 15: Tower Fall to Canyon (Dunraven Pass). Beartooth Highway (US 212 to Red Lodge, MT)
November 4: All roads close at 8 am except the road between the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) and the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT).

Fall Campground Closing Dates

September 9: Indian Creek Campground
September 15: Grant Village Campground
September 22: Bridge Bay, Canyon Campgrounds
September 29: Norris, Tower Fall, Pebble Creek Campgrounds
October 15: Slough Creek Campground
October 20: Madison Campground
November 3: Lewis Lake Campground
Open Year Round: Mammoth Campground
Closed for the 2019 Season: Fishing Bridge RV Park

Fall Lodging Closing Dates

September 2: Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins
September 22: Lake Lodge and Cabins
September 29: Old Faithful Lodge Cabins, Grant Village Lodge
October 7: Lake Hotel and Cabins, Old Faithful Inn
October 13: Canyon Lodge, Mammoth Hot Springs Cabins
November 3: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Old Faithful Snow Lodge

A Few More Fall Planning Tips

For more lodging convenient to Yellowstone National Park, check out the Gardiner, Montana lodging directory. We’re just minutes from the park’s North Entrance and offer a wide variety of dining, lodging, services, and activities in the fall months.

Yellowstone’s Northern Range—which includes the road from Gardiner to Mammoth Hot Springs and on to Cooke City—is open year-round to private vehicles. There are plenty of things to do all year long on the Northern Range; click here for a guide to this lesser-traveled, wildlife-rich region of Yellowstone National Park.

Fall weather in the Rocky Mountains is usually characterized by crisp, cold mornings and cool to mild afternoons, but the weather can change quickly this time of year. Keep an eye on all park road conditions or call the Gardiner Montana Visitor Information Center at 406-848-7971.

Experience world-class culture amidst the stunning backdrop of Montana’s natural beauty! The Yellowstone International Arts Festival features the best of the classical performing arts, indigenous tribes, and cultural traditions from around the world. Events include the "Fairy Tea for the Arts - Waters of Life" on ‪July 11th, Yellowstone International Arts Festival - Feel the Freedom" performance ‪on August 2nd.

The Yellowstone International Arts Festival was founded by the "most influential ballet family of our time," (London dance critic Graham Watts, April 2019) who were born and raised in Montana, and now work professionally around the world. It is produced by the non-profit Youth Arts in Action, a 501c3 which has been serving Montanans for more than 17 years, with an emphasis on youth and arts education.

Past highlights have included dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet, Mariinsky Ballet, Russia, Mikhailovsky Theatre, Russia, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Italy, San Francisco Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. International Cellist, Opera Singer, & Musicians from Germany, London and Russia, Native American Fancy Dancers. Young Montana talent from Vagonova Ballet Academy, Russia, English National Ballet School in London, Manhattan School of Music in NYC and Crossroads School for Arts & Science.

Tickets: www.YellowstoneInternationalArtsFestival.Org

Sunday, July 11, 2023 - 2-4 pm - "Fairy Tea for the Arts - Treasures of Life"

Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023, - 8 pm - "Yellowstone International Arts Festival "

Is a family trip to the world’s first national park on your list of must-do summer activities? If you ask us here at the Gardiner Visitor Center, it should be! With spouting geysers, thundering herds of bison, and over 1,000 miles of hiking trails, there’s something everyone in the family can get excited about in Yellowstone National Park. While packing up the family and heading for the great outdoors can be a little daunting, arming yourselves with these handy tips will ensure a family vacation everyone will be talking about for years to come.

Before You Go

Plan Your Lodging Ahead of Time

If you’re planning on visiting Yellowstone between June and September (peak season) you’ll want to make your reservations well in advance. That means booking your lodging at least six months ahead of time if you can, especially if you want to stay inside park boundaries. If you plan on camping, you can make reservations in advance for any campground operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges. The seven campgrounds operated by the National Park Service are first come, first served, and often fill by late morning.

Pack for a Range of Weather Conditions

When it comes to packing, keep in mind that weather in Yellowstone and elsewhere in the intermountain west can be unpredictable. In the summer, expect daytime temperatures around 70oF (25oC) and significantly cooler nights—temperatures may drop below freezing at higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Check out this handy packing list from our friends at Yellowstone National Park Lodges for tips on what to bring to make sure you’re comfortable during your stay.

Book Your Activities in Advance

There are plenty of guided activities that are perfect for families in Yellowstone National Park, including wildlife watching safaris, horseback riding excursions, or guided hikes. Many guides here in Gardiner allow you to book in advance online. Click here to start exploring an array of guided activities.

When You Arrive

After you’ve checked into your accommodations and are ready for your first day in the park, be sure to stop by the nearest park Visitor Information Center and pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for your kids! This self-guided program is designed for visitors ages 4 and up and is the perfect way to introduce children—and the young at heart—to the wonders of the park. A spiffy Junior Ranger patch is awarded to anyone who completes the requirements. You might also want to ask for a schedule of ranger-led programs, which can focus on anything from wildlife to waterfall hikes to drawing workshops.

Choose Your Adventures

Now that you’re oriented to the park, it’s time to choose your adventure! Here are just a few ideas depending on the ages and interests of your family members:

If Your Kids Want to See Geysers

With more than 10,000 thermal features in Yellowstone National Park, your choices are endless! Kids especially love the bizarre sights and sounds at Mud Volcano near Hayden Valley. With thermal features bearing names like “Black Dragon Cauldron” and “Dragon’s Mouth Spring”—which sounds like the growling and roaring of a dragon as gasses and steam are released—your kid’s imaginations are sure to run wild at this geothermal attraction. Other favorites include Norris Geyser Basin between Mammoth and Madison, where Steamboat Geyser—the world’s tallest geyser—has been making more regular eruptions. Finally, it’s worth the short (but steep) hike to Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook on the Fairy Falls Trail near Midway Geyser Basin, where your family can fully appreciate the sheer size and rainbow of colors that make up the largest hot springs in North America.

If Your Kids Want to See Wolves and Bears

They’re in luck! Yellowstone is home to one of the largest concentrations of large carnivores in the lower 48 states. Be sure to rise early and take a drive through the Northern Range and the Lamar Valley in the northeast section of the park. Keep an eye out for clumsy black bear cubs near Tower Junction and grizzlies in the meadows of Lamar Valley. Continue over Dunraven Pass and on to Hayden Valley for more chances of glimpsing the park’s charismatic carnivores. For best results, hire an experienced wildlife guide who will do the planning, driving, and spotting for you.

If Your Kids Want to Hit the Trail

For kid-friendly hikes in Yellowstone, check out the Beaver Ponds Loop near Mammoth, lovely Trout Lake in the park’s forested northeast corner, or Fairy Falls near Midway Geyser Basin. For the older and bolder, more challenging hikes include Mount Washburn atop Dunraven Pass and Bunsen Peak near Mammoth Hot Springs. No matter where you choose to hike, be sure to brush up on your bear safety tips and rent or purchase bear spray before you hit the trail.

If Your Kids (Or the Adults!) Need a Break

Yellowstone is a huge park and the days can get long! When you and your family need a little downtime, we recommend enjoying some relaxing scenic drives at places like Firehole Canyon Drive. Located just after the Madison Junction, Firehole Canyon is a beautiful drive along the Firehole River. A waterfall and popular swim hole are just some of the stops before this side trip meets back up with the Grand Loop Road.

If you need some time out of the car, stop by a Visitor Information Center—our favorites include the Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs and the Canyon Visitor Education Center in Canyon Village—and spend some time learning about fascinating natural wonders in the park through interactive displays. Finally, it never hurts to stop by one of the many soda fountains at the park villages and grab some ice cream!

Other Handy Tips

1. Tap into technology: No matter what route you go with, you’re going to end up spending quite a bit of time in the car as you drive from attraction to attraction. Keep the kids entertained in the car with a self-guided tour called Gaper Guides, which can be picked up at the Yellowstone Perk in Gardiner, Montana. The National Park Service has also created several educational apps you can download before you head into the park.

2. Play some roadtrip games. In addition to Junior Ranger Booklets, you can also engage the kids with car games like Yellowstone Wildlife Bingo or take turns reading some Yellowstone Trivia.

3. Yellowstone can be dangerous. Wildlife encounters; geysers and hot springs; and cold, fast-moving water pose risks to Yellowstone visitors. Learn how to protect yourself and the park before you visit.

4. Pack plenty of layers and snacks! The distance between park villages—and amenities like restaurants and shops—can be few and far between. It’s a good idea to come prepared with snacks, water, and extra layers like raincoats and fleeces or sweatshirts.

5. Cell phone service will be limited. Grab a park map from the visitor center when you arrive and be prepared to do some navigating without the help of your GPS app. Most visitor centers—including the Gardiner Visitor Information Center at the park’s North Entrance—have free wifi if you need to connect.

6. Download our offical guide. Looking for more trip-planning inspiration? Download our official visitor's guide.

 Grand Prismatic Spring photo courtesy of the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce. All others courtesy of the Yellowstone National Park Service.

The historic Murray Hotel in downtown Livingston! With twenty-five rooms and suites, every room has its own style to make each more inviting and memorable!  Each accommodation has its own bathroom, modern heating/cooling amenities, and access to the hotel's WiFi network.  Suites have more space, the majority having a sitting area for relaxing and a kitchenette for sharing a coffee in the morning or some wine at night. We take great pride in the decor which focuses on providing warmth and comfort for those who stay here but still maintains a nod to Livingston's heyday of the easy-going cowboys in the Wild Wild West.

Upriver Yellowstone Cabin has welcomed Yellowstone National Park visitors since the 1970s and a recent renovation has made staying here an even greater pleasure! We are located on the banks of the mighty Yellowstone River and on the north boundary of Yellowstone National Park. Our acreage is our third-generation family home and we love sharing our amazing view, quiet sanctuary, and knowledge of the area with others.

The cabin features a sleeping porch (napping paradise), a deck with a view of the river and Electric Peak, and a beachside location that allows for fishing, campfires, and rest. Inside, you’ll find antiques and family treasures with a fully stocked kitchen and bar, a sitting area with DISH television and Wifi, and a full bath. Upstairs, the loft has room for four with a queen bed and two built-in twin bunks. We worked with a local craftsman to create some special touches using local driftwood and artistic design.

We will greet you with some of Charissa’s homemade treats and can help you plan everything from fishing guides to restaurant reservations. Join an evening campfire for classic s’mores or pick up a Montana fishing license to take advantage of our world-class waters.

The north entrance of Yellowstone National Park is minutes away and we can help you see the highlights, avoid the crowds, and get off the beaten path. Yellowstone is a wonderland and we love sharing it with others.

Worn out after a long day in the park? Let us help you plan a “town day” of antiquing, independent bookstores, great coffee, and craft beer.

Or just do nothing at all and stare at Electric Peak while you listen to the river song.

For more information, visit our website: upriveryellowstone.com

Welcome to Yellowstone Roughriders! We are a woman owned and operated outfitter based out of Gardiner, MT.

We offer half-day and full-day horseback rides, plus overnight pack trips throughout Yellowstone’s backcountry.

Your adventure awaits at the trailhead! We look forward to riding with you!

Mild spring weather, snow-capped peaks, and hundreds of hooves pounding dusty roads—these are the sights and sounds of Memorial Day weekend in Gardiner, Montana, where the annual Hell’s A-Roarin’ Horse Drive takes place each year.

“Since 1982 we have driven our horses through town and up to our ranch,” explains Susan Johnson, co-owner of Hell’s A-Roarin’ Outfitters along with her husband Warren. “We first did it because we didn't own a horse trailer. A semi would drop them at the rodeo grounds, and this was the only way to get them home. Folks in town always enjoyed watching.”

Since then, Hell’s A-Roarin’ Outfitters kicks off the summer season by driving the herd to their summer location in Jardine, Montana, 9 miles north of Gardiner. The drive begins at the Gardiner Rodeo Grounds and continues up the Jardine Road until it reaches the Hell’s A-Roarin’ Ranch. A barbeque dinner, raffle and auction, dancing, and live music round out the annual event.

In 2013, thanks to its popularity and ability to bring the community together, the Drive became a way to raise funds for nonprofit organizations in the Gardiner area. Past proceeds have benefitted the Gardiner Food Pantry, Park County Sheriff’s K-9 unit, and the Gardiner Rodeo. This year proceeds will be used to purchase an Action Trackchair for a disabled Montana Veteran.

“Each year a committee of five votes on a cause to raise money for,” says Johnson. “When we decided last year to buy a Track Chair for a disabled veteran, we had overwhelming support. So, we decided from now on, this is what the Horse Drive will stand for—veterans and first responders.”

This year’s Horse Drive will take place on Saturday, May 25. Spectators will have the opportunity to view the horses at the Gardiner Rodeo Grounds from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. At 1 p.m., the horses will leave the rodeo grounds and the outfitters will drive all 300 animals through Scott Street in downtown Gardiner. The fun doesn’t stop there, Johnson says.

“The venue this year is under big tents at the Jardine Rodeo Grounds. We have the Fall River boys, playing first, then Adrian Buckaroogirl, then Wylie and the Wild West will play for the dance. In the meantime, we have a woman bronc rider, an art auction with over 60 pieces of original art and amazing raffle prizes!”

A celebration of the town’s western heritage and connection to the land, the Horse Drive perfectly embodies Gardiner’s generosity and sense of community. And thanks to the event’s unique quality, the Drive has begun attracting spectators from far beyond the Gardiner area.

“Each year, the event gets bigger and bigger,” Johnson says. “Folks from all over the country are stepping up to make a veterans life more livable. This is all about folks caring for those that fight for our country and make us safer!”

Tickets for this year’s Drive will be sold at the gate and are $25 for adults and $20 for kids 16 and under. Learn more at www.hellsaroarinhorsedrive.com.

Photos courtesy of Jean Modesette.